Let Me Introduce...

With only a few weeks to go before August, we can barely contain our excitement.

Is it because of the warm reds and oranges of a late summer?
Hot muggy breezes mixing with brisk ones...?

Maybe.
Or, is it because August marks the beginning of Emerge a group show featuring the work of 5 very talented recent graduates from George Brown's jewellery design program. Every week leading up to the reception (August 13th), I will be introducing you to one of these artists.

So get ready.
Today, let me introduce you to..... Shannon Clay.

Growing up in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Shannon was always surrounded by artists - print makers, traditional sewers, carvers, and jewellers. It was the sense of creating – the tactility of construction with bare hands – that drew Shannon towards the arts.

Croissant Earrings -

Fine Silver, 14k Yellow Gold

Wash Behind Your Ears -

Sterling Silver, Soapstone, Serpentine

"Taking for granted the opportunity to express myself boundlessly, I have created pieces which show my unrestrained imagination and creativity.
I have taken inspiration from the Viking tradition, Inuit carving traditions, modern techniques in jewellery production, metal forging techniques as well as my own mortality."

These pieces only represent a fraction of the work Shannon will be showing during Emerge, and isn't it tantalizing?

Emerge begins August 1st and continues until the end of September. A reception will be hosted at 18Karat on August 13th, at 5pm. Stay tuned for more!

M E T A M O R P H O S I S Exhibit.

May breezes bring in more then the summer ladies and gentlemen, they have also brought us this months featured designer – Lara Bazant.

[As a side note, can I just add how talented all those thousands of Etsy-ers are? First Darlene, then Inna, and now Lara. But you already knew that right..?]

For Lara, years of travel have culminated in jewellery that has been inspired by every unique country and its tradition, culture, and aesthetic. Using fair trade, natural, and reclaimed materials sourced from all over the world, Lara Bazant combines global sustainability with individual style.


Be sure to drop by 18Karat to view some of these interesting and well-traveled pieces –
especially the Fair Trade Kazuri beads (made in a community of single mother's outside of Nairobi $34-$60) and the adorable bamboo button rings ($12), not to mention the one-of-a-kind necklaces that also function as a bracelet with a few clicks of the clasp.

A reception will be held May 27th at 5pm. Drop by to meet the artist and view the exhibit. Support local artists!